From the president

“The National Research Center for Women & Families promotes  the health and safety of women, children, and families, by  using objective, research-based information to encourage new,  more effective programs and policies. The Center achieves its  mission by gathering and analyzing information and translating that information into clearly presented facts and policy implications that are made widely available to the public, the media, and policy makers.”

Read more about the mission of the National Research Center for Women & Families.

What’s new

2012 Foremother Awards and Health Policy Hero Luncheon

The Foremother Awards are for lifetime achievement for Washington area women whose lives have touched adults and children across the country. The Health Policy Hero Award recognizes someone whose recent work is saving lives on a national level. To learn about our impressive 2012 and previous honorees and see some photos of our annual awards luncheon, please check out ourcheck out our Foremother Awards page.

What You Need to Know About YAZ Birth Control

YAZ, Yasmin, and other drospirenone hormonal birth control pills have been found to have an increased risk of serious blood clots by several studies, including one by the FDA. However, as of April 2012, the FDA has not taken the pills off the market or issued a black box warning, despite the many other safer birth control options that exist. To learn the full story, read our informative article highlighting the facts and what has happened in current events. For more information about all birth control methods, check out this overview.

Do Active Video Games Help Prevent Obesity?

Today, “exergames” market themselves as a way to get off the couch, get active, and stay healthy. While the concept is exciting—and the games themselves can be a lot of fun—new research suggests that giving your family access to these games alone might not actually benefit their health and more traditional forms of exercise do a better job of preventing obesity.

What’s missing from the political debate over the Affordable Care Act (ACA)?

The fate of the Affordable Care Act is now in the Supreme Court’s hands. Much of the debate has been political instead of focusing on how the law represents much-needed reform for the health care of all Americans. Find out how this law will help you and your family.

NRC featured in Consumer Reports!

Dr. Diana Zuckerman is quoted in the May issue of Consumer Reports  that finds that most medical implants have never been tested for safety. To find out more, read an excerpt of the investigation or press coverage by CBS.

Safe Alternatives to Sleeping Pills

Sleeping pills may significantly increase your risk of cancer and death. To learn more about this breakthrough research, please read our full article here. For easy and safe alternatives to sleeping pills, read our article on how to get better sleep at night.

Make a Difference in the Lives of Women and Families!

Would you like help us improve the health of adults and children?  Please consider making a donation to the National Research Center for Women & Families or our Cancer Prevention and Treatment Fund.